Affiliations

An Interview with Duke Leo Iscander

posted Feb 15, 2011, 3:21 PM by Ettore Kalsi

D78

I was informed by his Majesty that the
Duke would not be able to meet me in person today, but that didn't
stop our interview. In the Galactic Medical head quarters we met in a
board room, his image projected into a stylish white chair.

“Greetings Your Grace, thank you for
agreeing to this interview.” I began.

“Always a pleasure, Vi.” He says
with a slight smile, he is not used to the lime light and shies away
from the public life his job now requires. He is a man who prefers
the back room, the personal aspect of politics.

“Lets begin with the big news of the
last week, the reorganization of Galactic Medical, what are your
thoughts on this major shake up of the organization?”

“I support it fully.” He states
immediately. “The Prince sees a need to change and is very good
with organization. After reviewing the plans, I believe this will
strengthen us once fully implemented, however admit it's not my
strong point.”

“Admitting weakness? not something
you see often in others in positions such as your own.” I prod, but
retract just as quickly. “I meant no disrespect my Grace, I simply
mean to say, I am refreshed by your honesty.”

“I am not most others I see no harm
in admitting weakness, most people don't because they fear challenges
to there position. I welcome them without worry.”

“I am glad some in power are still
welcomely accountable. Moving on, what do you think of King Kalsi's
chances at making it to the Confederate Supreme Court?” Ettore
Kalsi, King, Prince, Leader, father was also now becoming a justice,
if his nomination gets through the senate.

“I believe he will make it with 100%
certainty.” He says with full confidence, an honest smile spread
across his face.

“You don't feel that's a bit
overconfident? or even arrogant?” I ask.

“Not at all, he has to be in the top
3 as far as votes, and currently the numbers have him in a 3 way tie
for the lead..” He pauses briefly, “as a senator I have clearance
to see how the voting goes.” A senator appointed by Ettore Kalsi
after their joining of the Confederacy. Iscander had been a head
diplomat and paved the way towards joining the Confederacy. This
experience and personal insight into the Senate assured him the
interim appointment. A few months from now he will be fighting for
his seat in an election.

“A peek into the Senate.” For a
moment I see something behind him, a women, but she disappears. I am
glad to see our King is leading.” It takes a moment for me to get
back on track. “If he wins now, a special election will be called
for a replacement correct? For his senate seat?”

“Yes it will be interesting I have a
candidate in mind for the position but i will not comment more than
that.” He says.

“Rumors have it that Pravus Malum may
run for the seat, have you any comment on those speculations?” The
rivalry between Duke Iscander and Margrave Malum has often been a
topic in Praxius since the election in which against Malum, Iscander
would narrowly win and become the executive chief of staff.

“Pravus has his own company to run is
all i will say.” He says it without alluding to any ill will, and
that's the way he wants it. On the record nothing is there, I have
heard him say it many times, that whatever people see between them is
because me want to see it, that too could be true.

“Have you any comment on the
dissolution of the older Pacnor and the recreation under Margrave
Malum's leadership?” Recently Ettore Kalsi, the Chief Executive
Officer, with the support of Majority Shareholder Leo Iscander,
called for the dissolution of the weapons company, who had been
handled by the Margrave for the last many months, and saw a number of
issues through its time, under both Kalsi's original leadership, and
the second regime of Malum.

“Margrave Malum and I don't always
see eye to eye, however I wish him well. Beyond that, no comment.

“I will press no further....” I
resign. “Is there anything you personally would like to bring up?

“Yes, I would like to say that I will
be giving bi-weekly addresses to the faction and encourage everyone
to read them.”

“Ah yes, the new weekly address of
the King have also started yes? A new one should be made this weekend
if I am correct, does this mean yours will come this weekend aswell?
If not, when should we be expecting it?”

“It will be this weekend, yes. I
expect to highlight my feeling on our progress and diplomatic
endeavors.” He explains.

“Galactic Medical has made great
strides from its isolationist policies of the past, would you like to
elaborate on any of that progress now?”

“We are members in good standing of
the Confederacy of Independent Systems, a move I pushed for, feeling
that we needed allies. It is a big galaxy and it helps to have
friends in it.”

“One can not deny the effect the
Confederacy has had on Galactic Medical, but at the same time, many
blame it for its recent recruitment issues.” Galactic Medical, once
a bastion of freedome for young people from around the galaxy, now
face recruitment issues almost daily.

“They would be short sighted to do
so.” He goes on to explain, “the recent membership problems
spring from our split with PacNor in my opinion.”

“That is also a relationship worthy
of investigation, I agree. More in this galaxy are interested in
killing than healing.” Pacnor, being a weapons group, never had
issues with membership before.

“Indeed they are.”

“Galactic Medical's second hospital
is currently under construction, spreading GM's healthcare system to
the otherside of berebosuil, are there plans for further medical
centers in the system?”

“Yes, as soon as the diplomatic talks
are done the Corporate alliance has offered the use of a planet for
us.”

“And Galactic Medical has plans to
spread medical care to that planet aswell?”

“Yes, aswell as production
facilities.”

“I am sure the citizens of Essowyn
will be glad to hear this news, many are grateful as it is, for
Galactic Medical's healthcare industry.” I glance at the clock and
decide to keep pushing.

“You have begun construction of a
shipyard in the system aswell, correct? Iscander Prime? One can
assume this will be apart of your growing Duchy?”

“Yes it will be done in about just
over 3 days.”

“Wonderful news, more jobs brought to
Essowyn by Galactic Medical. News has it the Kingdom will also be
undergoing reform, including your duchy, do you have any comment to
this rumor?

“Indeed. He begins but changes his
mind. “Not at this time, no.”

“Mind if we cross into your personal
life? You married the beautful Gabbi Yuri, correct?” The famed
women, once almost winning most beautiful woman in the galaxy.

“Yes, she is my wife, and soon to be
mother of my children.”

“Oh, you are to be a father?
Congratulations.”

“Thank you very much. I am extremely
happy.”

“Ettore showed the same glee with the
news of his son, do you know if yours will be male or female?”

“Twins, one of each.” He says with
a prideful smile worth of sin.

“Ah beautiful. With personal growth,
career growth, and company growth, I suppose you many reasons to feel
"on top of the world?" The old adage did not die with the
single planet system.

“I live my dream to be sure.”

“I thank you for this interview, is
there anything else you would like to say before we bring this to a
close?” I begin to wrap it up, his eyes star off camera, watching
is wife, without a doubt.

“No, I thank you for your time.”

“Excellant, then I thank you for your
time aswell, the Praxius Press will surely enjoy this interview.” I
smile happily as I gather my notes. “Good day, my grace.”

“Good day, Vi.” He leaned forward
and turned off the receiver, leaving me alone in the Galactic Medical
board room.

This has been a window into the Duke's mind, and this has been Vi Key Veil reporting for Galactic Medical News and the Praxius Press.